ARNOLD LEADS, WEST FOLLOWS

In addition to the maps and information below, see this web page and map for more information on states' intiatives against climage change.

North American group agrees 2020 carbon cut
Timothy Gardner, August 22, 2007 (Reuters)

WHO
6 western U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger,

Two current state initiatives laying the groundwork for a national emissions trading system. Note that the map does not include Utah and the two Canadian provinces in the WCI. (click to enlarge)

WHAT
Led by Arnold, the Western Climate Initiative (WCI) states and provinces agreed to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 15% below 2005 levels and agreed to form a market-based cap-and-trade system.

WHEN
Agreement August 22 for 2020 goal of 15% reduction from 2005 levels. Agreement to develop emissions trading system by August 31, 2008.

WHERE
- WCI: Arizona, California, New Mexico, Oregon, Washington and Utah in the U.S.; Manitoba and British Columbia in Canada. Oil-and-gas-rich Alberta is notably absent.
New Jersey and Florida recently announced the goal of cutting emissions 80% by 2050.

WHY
- GHG emissions are widely recognized as causative in global climate change.
- Stronger reduction targets for the WCI is presently considered political “heavy lifting” but members consider these levels and dates “a starting point.”
- 10 eastern states formed the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative pact in 2003 to cut power plant emissions starting in 2009.

All these states have taken individual actions against climate change. Isn't it time for a national initiative? (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- Schwarzenegger: "Our collective commitment will build a successful regional system to be linked with other efforts across the nation and eventually the world…"
- John Coequyt, energy policy analyst, Greenpeace: "These targets are barely consistent with what needs to be done…"